2017 Aries Astrology:

21 March – 20 April

Shake It Up

Welcome to 2017, dear Aries! By now you should be more accustomed to the energy of Uranus in your sign, which is letting the whole world know that The Revolution has begun! You’ve probably been leading a revolution or two of your own, shaking up old, outdated structures in your life. With slow-moving Pluto in Capricorn making a challenging aspect to your sign for many years to come, you will probably be torn between staying with doing what the world expects of you and being more true to yourself. Feelings of frustration and alienation are not out of the question, so surround yourself with those who know your heart and truly care about your well being. This will be most keenly felt by those born between the 9th and 12th degree of Aries, but all Aries and Aries Rising folks will experience this energy over time. The coming year is all about learning and growth, and while some of it may be difficult, you stand to gain a great deal through your efforts. The New Moon in Capricorn on January 11th may be significant, as it activates your 10th house of career and public recognition. Set your intentions related to how the world sees you now and how you want to be seen by the time this year is through.

Make Peace

Lucky Jupiter activates your 3rd house of communication for the first half of the year, giving you a chance to cultivate good will and support from your community. You may be tempted to say yes to every fundraiser and social event you are invited to, but there is always a danger of overdoing it when the Lord of Plenty is involved. You may be well rewarded for your efforts in May, when Venus and Jupiter bring rewards and celebrations. If you have been having trouble getting along with neighbors and siblings, this is the perfect time to make peace. After Jupiter moves into clannish Cancer on June 26th, you’ll be ready to expand your home base. Moving to a new home or adding on to an existing one is very likely during this transit, which lasts for about a year. It’s not uncommon for people to have new additions to the family (or changes, such as a child leaving for college) while Jupiter is in the 4th. Like it or not, change is coming, so make the best of it.

Transformation

With Saturn in Scorpio and your 8th house of sex and other people’s resources all year, it’s time to learn to live with other people’s values. It could be that someone is not behaving as you expect or wish them to, and that is not necessarily wrong… just different from how you would do things. Let go of any judgment you might have against others and you’ll find a sense of peace and freedom. This is a time of great transformation in life and much of it will be beyond your control. Through this, you will gain the wisdom you need in future Saturn cycles, especially when it comes to dealing with others. Questions of the meaning of life may also come up, and you may find yourself thinking about your own mortality, but this is a natural part of growing older and wiser. Regarding money matters, this is not the best time to depend on the resources of others, as your mate or partner may have a change in financial fortune, for better or for worse. Be frugal, resourceful, and continue to work hard toward your goals. Luckily, Pluto will be making a positive aspect to Saturn from your 10th house of career and public standing, so you should enjoy a reasonable amount of financial stability, even during tough economic times. March should be an especially fortunate month.

Relationships: the Journey to the Heart

The New Year begins on a lighthearted note as Venus shines in optimistic Sagittarius, but relationships intensify as the Goddess of Love moves into Capricorn on January 9th and conjuncts Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, on January 17th. Obsessive, controlling behavior is not out of the question, so guard against this in yourself and do not submit to it from others. Otherwise, this energy can be beneficial as those in positions of authority will look kindly upon you, but keep in mind there could be strings attached to any favors that are granted.

Friends and associates become the focus of your attention and affection after February 2nd, when Venus moves into humanitarian Aquarius and your 11th house of group activities. Just in time for Candlemas, for those of you who celebrate this festival of lights! There should be many opportunities to network and socialize during this time frame, and you may even have to decline some invitations. As Venus squares Saturn around February 11th, you might find that it is getting too expensive to keep up the brisk social pace. You’ll be ready to slow down and recharge your spiritual batteries after February 26th, when Venus enters sensitive Pisces and your 12th house of solitude. Clandestine affairs sometimes occur during this transit, but more often this is simply a time of quietly resting and recharging your emotional batteries. During the first three weeks of March, it’s best to serve from behind the scenes. The compassion you show now will be returned to you tenfold in good karma.

No one can resist you once Venus moves into Aries and your 1st house of personality on March 22nd, just in time to wish you a very happy birthday. Your birthday month may prove to be the jolliest of the year… enjoy the good vibes and well wishes. The last few days of the month could bring a happy surprise as Venus and Uranus combine to bring you good fortune. If you are single, love at first sight is not out of the question. Money and how to spend it comes into focus after April 15th, when luxury loving Venus lights up your 2nd house of money and possessions. Unfortunately, with Saturn in your 8th house of taxes, you may find that you owe more this year than you expected. Tighten your belt as necessary. You’ll be able to sweet talk your way into or out of anything after May 9th, when Venus moves into chatty Gemini and your 3rd house of communication. Local gatherings and events are especially enjoyable, and those of you who are single may find this is the perfect time to meet someone who shares your interests. Goodwill abounds among siblings and neighbors as Venus connects with Jupiter during the last week of May.

Home and family becomes your refuge once Venus moves into clannish Cancer and your 4th house on June 6th. Venus blends well with karmic Saturn and spiritual Neptune, making this a very good time to make peace with your family. Even if you just forgive and move on, you’ll reap the benefits of a heart set free. Looking up your ancestry may benefit you now… who knows what your family history might be! By June 27th, joy and pleasure return to your life as Venus occupies your 5th house of creativity and romance. You may want what you can’t have, or you may be the object of someone else’s unreturned desire during the first few days of July, when Venus and Saturn clash. Otherwise, you can expect to enjoy exuberant days and passionate nights as Venus reminds you of what brings a smile to your face. After July 22nd, Venus brightens your 6th house of health and service, acting like a much needed vitamin shake and beauty treatment after a period of overindulgence. Relationships with coworkers benefit from the friendly vibe. Instead of high-calorie lunches out, why not arrange for after work sessions at the gym with coworkers you would like to know better?

Relationships blossom as Venus moves into relationship-oriented Libra and your 7th house of significant others on August 16th. This should go a long way in creating harmony between you and your most significant other. An overwhelming need for freedom and independence on your part could be a problem around August 26th, when revolutionary Uranus in your sign urges you to go your own way. New relationships that begin now are not likely to be long lasting. However, strong relationships should be able to withstand this unpredictable energy. You’ll be feeling more open to closeness and intimacy as Venus enters seductive Scorpio and your 8th house of sex, death, and taxes on September 11th. Of course, with restrictive Saturn here for some time to come, tender moments may be hard to come by. And yet, with patience, you should be able to appreciate the wisdom and maturity of established relationships. Things lighten up a bit as Venus segues into optimistic Sagittarius and your 9th house of travel and adventure on October 7th, urging you to get out and try something new. Travel with a companion is favored now, as is a new romance with someone from a different culture.

Your efforts at work are noticed by your boss after November 5th, when Venus moves into practical Capricorn and your 10th house of career and public standing. This is also a good time to woo the public, as your efforts will be seen in a positive light. Single Rams may find that a flirtation with someone older or in a position of authority is not out of the question now. Venus turns retrograde on December 21st, remaining in your 10th house until March 2017… it may seem like you are taking two steps forward and one step back, but by the time Venus turns direct on January 30th, you should be sitting comfortably!

Home and Family

Expansive Jupiter moves into nurturing Cancer and your 4th house of home and family on June 26th, signaling the start of some changes in your home life. Many of you will be moving to a new home or adding on to an existing one, while others will be welcoming new family members into the fold. Whether you are getting a new in-law, getting married, moving back in with your parents, or having a parent move in with you, it’s time to create some elbow room under your roof. Home improvements should go well now, and any moves you make should ultimately be for the better.

There may be some conflict between your private life and your public life during the first two weeks of August, when Jupiter clashes with unforgiving Pluto. In fact, with Pluto in Capricorn opposite your 4th house of home and family for several years to come, you’ll need to learn to deal with the ongoing frustration. This is a good time for you to reflect on your childhood, your parents, and the experiences that shaped you. By being aware of both positive and negative behaviors your parents exhibited during your childhood, you can better choose how to respond to circumstances in your own life. Don’t let the mistakes of your parents become your mistakes now.

Work and Health

Mercury enters Pisces and your 12th house of hidden matters on February 5th, turning retrograde on February 23rd and remaining in your 12th house until April 14th. This could potentially be a time of illness, hospitalization, or rehabilitation for some as Mercury opposes your 6th house of health and service, while others may be dealing with the illness of a spouse or partner. This is a good time to research different treatments and therapies for any chronic conditions you are dealing with. The Mars/Neptune Square in June may find you burning the candle at both ends, so try to be aware of your energy levels and say ‘no’ to activities you really don’t have the time for. It’s not worth getting sick or getting into an accident over! You may also be more prone to illness and injury from October 15th through December 7th, as the planet of war and disease moves through health conscious Virgo. Be sure to deal with stress in a positive, productive way so that you don’t inadvertently run yourself down or put yourself at risk. With Chiron moving through Pisces and your 12th house of karma for several years to come, you’ll need to become more aware of the mind-body connection. The more you understand your own personal holistic health needs, the better you will be able to meet them.

Career and Finances

Keep an eye on the ongoing Pluto/Uranus Square, which makes itself felt in May and then again in mid-October through early November. The biggest issue here is that a conflict may exist between how you would like to express yourself and what you are publicly required to represent… many of you may find you have to suppress your opinions and personal style more than you’d prefer because of what is expected of you in the public arena. And yet, you have worked very hard to get into a position of power and authority! This conflict could also manifest in relationships with a parent or authority figure. You may have to fight to assert your independence from someone who thinks that they know best. For some time to come, your career and finances are super-powered by intense Pluto, which has the power to rocket you to the top but also to plummet you to the depths if you make the wrong moves. Pluto destroys that which has ended its purpose so that the new can begin to take root. September is an excellent time to start a new job, but there may be added stress on your family. Try to stay sane and balanced in an ever-demanding world.

Mercury the Messenger

What does Mercury Retrograde hold for you this year? You can expect Mercury to go retrograde three times a year for about three weeks each time. During retrogrades, you can expect miss communication, delays in travel, and breakdowns in machinery and appliances. Usually these breakdowns are due to neglect or lack of attention to detail and the retrograde period simply brings this to the surface. It’s often a good idea to hold off on making any important decisions, purchases, or signing contracts when Mercury is retrograde. Brides planning weddings should certainly consult an astrologer to avoid scheduling the Big Day during a retrograde! On the positive side, Mercury retrograde is excellent for research and investigation. It is a time to go over everything carefully, looking for loopholes, mistakes, and weaknesses. Here are this year’s Mercury retrogrades and how they are likely to impact you:

February 23rd-March 17th, Mercury Retrograde in Pisces, 12th House

This may feel like a bit of a deja vu as Mercury went retrograde in your 1st/12th house around the same time last year, but this time you’ll probably appreciate the quiet time it affords. It’s time to finish old projects and reflect on the past year’s events. Research and clandestine activities are also favored now as it’s easier to work alone and with great focus. Do be aware of anyone who may be working behind the scenes against you. At the same time, you may be the recipient of confidential information. Vivid dreams are not unusual for this transit, so consider keeping a dream diary to record the images you remember upon awaking.

June 26th-July 20th, Mercury Retrograde in Cancer, 4th House

If you are in the process of trying to buy or sell a house, or simply move from one place to another, you may find that this retrograde delays and frustrates your progress. Read the fine line carefully on any lease or agreement you plan to sign, as you might discover a clause that won’t please you. It may be that deals that don’t work out during this time were not in your best interests to begin with, so don’t become too emotionally invested in any outcome. Carefully consider all possibilities so that when Mercury turns direct, you will be ready to move forward without looking back.

October 21st-November 10th, Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio, 8th House

If this seems like a repeat of last year’s troubles, you aren’t crazy… Retrograde Mercury comes back for more financial frustration related to loans, inheritances, and the resources of others. Sex also becomes a focus on rumination, whether you feel like you are getting too much or not enough. Obsessions can more easily take hold of you while Mercury turns his unrelenting energy inward, so encourage an objective, balanced response in yourself and others. This is a good time to discuss and research subjects related to death, dying, wills, and inheritances. By the time Mercury turns direct, you will have everything sorted out sensibly.

Lunar Life with Lady Moon

Your personal New Moon occurs on April 10th, giving you an opportunity to get a fresh start in life. This year, Venus is firmly in your corner, giving you the competitive edge when it comes to winning people over. Uranus adds a potentially eccentric but also ingenious tone to your style, making you not for the meek and mild. New relationships, jobs, and public positions are all exciting now… you’ve got what it takes, and you aren’t afraid of the challenges.

Your Full Moon happens on Oct. 18th, and will represent the culmination of what began back in April. This time, you may find that pressure from work and your family has been building to the point of crisis. Be proactive by sitting down with your clan for a constructive pow-wow… what can you do to help each other out through stressful and trying times? A win-win situation is possible all around but will require a great deal of patience and cooperation.

Eclipses

Eclipses indicate change in the area of life they impact, and are often felt for much longer than regular insulation. In cases where the eclipse makes a close aspect to planets or angles in your chart, they can be felt for up to a year. Here is what to look for during the eclipse cycle of 2017:

A Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio on April 25th may highlight a financial issue that has been developing for some time. With somber Saturn involved, you may be dealing with limits and restrictions that are keeping you from paying off debts or getting paid back by those who owe you. In intimate relationships, depression and alienation may be taking a toll. Matters of life, death, and the inevitable will be recurring themes this year, but you can’t let that change your naturally optimistic outlook on life. Find ways to be reminded that yes, after Winter comes Spring!

A New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Taurus on May 10th may bring an opportunity to improve your finances, perhaps through a new job or promising business deal. You may not see the full results of these events until 6 months from now, when the Taurus Full Moon on November 17th brings you the fruits of your efforts. In the meantime, you can lay the foundation for future success by considering your options carefully and going with what you feel most secure with.

A Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius on May 25th may highlight cultural differences or political differences of opinion between you and others, and with expansive Jupiter in your 3rd house of opinions, you may not be able to keep quiet. You can always agree to disagree, but in some cases, you’ll find certain individuals are better off forgotten. If you can’t maintain a measure of respect, you have to decide which relationships mean the most to you. If you are dealing with family members you don’t see eye to eye with, you might consider avoiding controversial subjects all together! At the same time, you may find that your own opinions are changing dramatically. If you find yourself swinging from one extreme to another, take time out to consider your emotional reactions.

A Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Aries on October 18th could be life-changing for many of you, but especially for those born during the last ten degrees of Aries or who have Aries Rising at the later degrees. This is a highly emotionally charged time for you, and feelings you have held in for a long time are likely to come rushing out like a tidal wave. This can be incredibly empowering for those of you who have been shortchanging yourselves… be your most authentic self and follow your bliss, because you won’t be very happy trying to please everyone else.

A New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Scorpio on November 3rd is a hint into what you’ll be reaping during the Full Moon in Taurus on November 17th. Somber Saturn has been slowing moving through your 8th house of sex, death, and taxes, restricting your efforts in these areas. However, Saturn teaches important lessons and rewards us for our hard work, so you may find that your scrimping and saving and your patience with others is about to pay off handsomely.

Aries, the Ram – Description and Personality

The Sun blazed in dynamic Aries, a fire sign, on your birthday. The Sun in astrology stands for your inner nature, the light of your essential character. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, a masculine sign ruled by the warrior planet Mars, whose motto must be “Crash through, or crash!”. A cardinal (creative and inventive) sign, Aries the Ram governs leadership and initiative. Aries people are bold and self-confident, although they do tend to be overly impulsive.

The Sun, the ruler of our inner nature, is very well placed in Aries, the sign of its exaltation. This energy is very attractive, even compelling, and few can resist being carried along in the jet-stream. Ariens are always overflowing with ideas, schemes and plans to conquer the world, for a well-aspected Sun in Aries radiates power and vitality. Many a moth has been burned in its flame! Life, of course, is one long party (which the more moth-like among us may find a just little wearing…

Flair and Originality

Ariens are great organisers, full of flair and originality, although usually lacking discipline and the capacity for prolonged effort (minions must be found to do the slog work!). You are intuitive and articulate, with the capacity to inspire others, especially in projects which have a clear outcome and do not require a long lead-time.
You have masses of energy and courage and will rush in where angels fear to tread, for the Arien ego can be rather overbearing. Ariens are risk-takers and love to take chances, whether in love, or in the slots online! Undue optimism, or impatience and desire for self-aggrandizement can result in wasted effort or even severe setbacks and disappointment.

A Determined Fighter

The emblem for Aries is the Ram, a determined fighter and a powerful adversary, with a strong urge to express himself over the widest possible field of endeavor. Is the grass greener on the other side of the hill? Of course it is, isn’t it, Aries?
Creative Aries, being a cardinal sign, loves to be the leader and can organize fantastic and impressive ventures. Unfortunately, despite your desire to be the front-runner in all you do, sometimes you do get bored with the whole affair and can just wander off, or sit back and allow the lesser folk to have their way. This can see the whole house of cards collapsing, but happily your enthusiasm is easily roused and when you set your mind to it you can inspire others to stick to those essential jobs that sometimes seem no more than the merest details to the noble Ram. You see, painful as this may seem, you really need the team as much as the team needs you!

Aries Rules the Head

Aries rules the head, brain and eyes, so people with Aries active in their charts are subject to head injury, headaches, general problems with organs in the head and fevers (although the nose is ruled by Scorpio). You are all extremists and for this reason can fall prey to stress-related ailments and mental problems. However, although you can be highly-strung, your great fund of energy enables you to survive where other less exuberant folks might succumb.

Your colours are red and white. Aries rules metallic iron and your birthstone is the brilliant diamond, symbolizing clear strength, purified under pressure. Nature creates precious diamonds out of crumbly, coal-black carbon, by applying intense heat and pressure for a very long time. Flowers for Aries include the red poppy, geraniums, honeysuckle and hollyhocks.